Todd Lyden.com

What Time is It?

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000

sabbatical
Pronunciation: s-bat-i-kl
Function: adjective

1 : of or relating to the Sabbath &; sabbatical laws&;
2 : of or relating to a leave granted usually every seventh year (as to a professor) for rest, travel, or research

While my post title might imply the first part of the definition, the real reason is closer to the second.

I've got bigger fish to fry for the moment.

Nothing groundbreaking or monumental. Just stuff that needs tending which means something has to give.

Which will be my posting here and here.

I've been sporadic at best lately anyway.

Hope I have something cool when I come back to posting regularly.

You can still find me here. Or even Google Plus me!

And no, it won't be in a year, despite the definition- it just seemed apt to describe what I need right now.

Quick Take: Captain America - The First Avenger

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Thank to a local radio station, 96.5 BOB , the j-man and I hit the midnight showing of "Captain America: The First Avenger" last night.

Wow.

In a summer full of superhero, comic-inspired films like "Green Lantern," "Thor," and "X-men: First Class," the Captain certainly nails it. I've seen 2/3rds of the list mentioned have to say that this movie plain WORKS.

There are two big reasons it works.
1. Joe Johnston, the director, has immense respect for the character and the story and he tells it to borderline perfection. I talked about him before and why he was perfect for this movie. I think I need to revisit his "epitome movie."
2. Chris Evans IS Captain America. I am sure others could have carried the role, but Evans displays a humility that few roles have required him to carry before. See my discussion of his "trajectory" to this role. He has the strength and charisma required of the part, but the humility of Captain America was key to how the role HAD to be played. He pinned it down and had it.

The movie works NOW in our post-9/11. Few people might realize there was a "Captain America" movie in 1990. While it followed the same basic storyline, the patriotism of Captain America was not going to be felt by a pre-Gulf War American public. Here we are twenty-one years later and we have soldiers displaying the same humility and call to action that Evans displays so well in this film.

The timing for the movie was set much better than it could have been in pre-9/11 world. Our society can now relate to the call to action of a World War II era hero who only wanted to fight because it was the right thing to do.

What didn't work with this film?

- The framing sequence, while done well and brings the Cap into the modern era fairly well falls apart with some logic, but it does bring the hero into the Marvel movie fold well enough and fits the mold of the comic story.
- Wished there were more Skull-Cap conflicts. Sure, he ripped through the henchdudes like he owned them, but more direct conflict would be nice.
- The costume was overall ok, but the headpiece always looked weird and honestly, why? They don’t give a convincing reason for him to be disguised do they?

What worked?
- Evans, Jones, Tucci, Weaving, et al sold their parts. This could easily be cheesy campfest, but they refused to go there.
- The effects were top-notch.
- Joe Johnston GOT the ideas here. He was the right man at the right time just like Favreau was for “Iron Man.”

Finally, I didn’t hate the ending- it HAD to happen to get Cap into the modern era and if you know the comics AT ALL, the ending isn’t a surprise, but the way it was done and what happens is really logic-defying (IE, don’t think to hard).

Otherwise, Josh probably had it nailed when he said this was probably the best of the Marvel movies. Course, he also said it would make a killer video game.

Problem Solving: Erica Style

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:18:00 +0000

Image via WikipediaOk, so I mention my youngest a bit on here.

But this REALLY struck me yesterday. We bought a new car, which borderline defies description.

It is a Mazda5. Mazda describes it as a "sportswagon." I think it is somewhere between a mini-van and a station wagon. We've heard ti described as a mini-mini van, perfect for the wife. We still have our mini-van. Both are different shades of blue.

Erica recognized, without being prodded, that to talk about the two vehicles was going to be tough. As we got in one of the vehicles, she said, "you know, we should call the new van "Maximus," and the old van "Oscar" so we know which is which.

Six years old. She knew we were going to have this issue and divined the solution before the problem had really presented itself.

Bragging and Knowing Your Life Plan

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:07:00 +0000

‎1st. You're a baby. 2nd. You're a kid. 3rd. You're a teenager. 4th. You are a young adult. 5th. You are in college. 6th. You get married. 7th. You have kids. 8th. You are old grandma or grandpa. 9th. You DIE. 10th. Your life is over.

I have two points today.

1. I tend to talk about my youngest a lot on here. Is that ok? Is it bragging? Partially. I am so impressed with what she does and says sometimes, I just want it slightly validated that what I thought was cool is cool.
Sure, I'm biased, but some of what she does and says is just nuts. Look up there: she wrote that. Six years old and she has it all figured out. Step six in life? "You get meredid."

Mark Schaefer was talking today about how bloggers needed to express more pride. For him, it was finally getting quoted in the NY Times. He describes this "bragging" as a taboo, but I don't see it. I suppose it is semantics, but whether you wrap it up in a "let me share an experience so you can learn something" blog post or are just blatantly saying "look at what I did" you are still trying to show off, right? Anyhoo, if I do it too much call me out.

Second point, my daughter's life plans (for everyone apparently) at the age of six. Granted, it is simple but what got me was the end. She got it. Game over. You do all this stuff and then you are done. Wow.
What does this mean for how she progresses? I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see.

My Job

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:37:00 +0000

If you have known me any length of time, you've heard me speak about these people above.
I married into being a (step)father when Amanda (12) and Josh (9) were eight years younger. Then came the terror of their sister Erica (6).

This Father's Day (yesterday), I mentioned to someone on Twitter that being a parent was like being in the Peace Corps "the hardest job you'll ever love." Fellow parents, can I get an "amen?"

Being a father is a different thing from being a mother. If you want the graduate level course on understanding it, watch Bill Cosby's "Himself." One thing in the relationship between most children and their parents is clear who is mostly in charge. Cosby said it: "I am not the boss of my house. I don't know how I lost it. I don't know where I lost it. I don't think I ever had it. But I've seen the boss's job... and I don't want it."

Thankfully, my wife and I work hard to balance being the boss together. We need to, we are outnumbered.

Improv for a Better Life: Quick Take of Bossypants

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:50:00 +0000

Just finished Tina Fey's "Bossypants," her first book. Yes, I'm a bit late to the party, but it is definitely worth the time!
If you like "30 Rock" at all, you will love the humor of this book.
But this is not to review the book, which could be summarized as this- great start, AWESOME chapter about her father ("That's Don Fey"), and slightly peters out.
It is part auto-biography and all funny.

One thing stood out for me, a section called "The Rules of Improvisation That Will Change Your Life and Reduce Belly Fat." *Improve will not reduce belly fat.

Her first rule: always agree and say yes. This goes to what your partner creates, you need to roll with it no matter how outlandish. As she says, "start with a yes and see where that takes you."
Second rules is "Yes, and..." She means add something. You can agree, but you must be willing to play with and advance discussion.
Rule three is make statements. The is the converse of being the person who always asks questions or refuses to find the solution to the problem.
Finally, "There are no mistakes, only opportunities." Improv can go all over the map, but if you are going to try and adhere to rules, you won't find where you are going.

Thanks Tina Fey for the life lessons from improv.

Erica's Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:31:00 +0000

Some might say taking a six year old to see "Thor" was a mistake, but EVERYONE wanted to see it, even her.

"Thor was really cool. Thor kissed a girl."

She asked us Sunday when we said we wanted to all go to the movies as a family that SHE wanted to see "Thor."

Good choice as you can tell from her school work today.

She wrote this note herself with the illustration- notice the hammer.

Everyone, including the six year old girl, loved Thor.

So will you.

Foo-based Blog Topics

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Sun, 15 May 2011 03:57:00 +0000

Image via WikipediaEveryone is creating blogging topic helpers.

Brogan is selling them. Others giving them away for free.
Decided I wanted some inspiration and found it a few weeks ago with the release of the Foo Fighter's Wasting Light album. I wrote about the first line of the first song was "These are my famous words" and I asked, what would yours be (in 140 characters of course).

So what about the rest of the songs? Turns out Grohl gives food for thought.

"A Matter of Time" opens with "Let's change the subject to someone else."

"Back and Forth" starts with "Once upon a time, I was someone else"

"Arlandria's" first line is "Ain't that the way it always starts, a simple round of conversation."

"I Shoulda Known" starts with the predicable "I should have known it would end this way."

"White Limo," one of the least understandable songs in history, opens with "I'll take it out of the wishing well."

"Walk's opening line is "A million miles away, your signal in the distance."

I like the opening of "Rope" alot: "This indecision got me climbing up the walls." (Sounds like Gini D's latest post was written with this in mind.)

Or maybe it was "These Days": "One of these days the ground will drop out from beneath your feet."

"Miss the Misery" opens with "If I had my way; If I had to lose, Wouldn't take back one thing; Never had much to choose."

Finally, the tough "Dear Rosemary": "You got away from me; now, get away from me."

Sure these might not help you, but I am going to try and post based on them in the next few weeks. Where are you getting your oddball post ideas?

What Makes the Muskrat Guard His Musk?

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Sat, 07 May 2011 03:25:00 +0000

photo © 2008 Ewan Munro | more info (via: Wylio)
How much courage does it take to do ______?

How much courage did it take for President Obama to actually commit to the kill/capture of OBL?

How much courage does it take for someone to put an opinion out there?

How much courage does it take for you to post an "original" blog post?

Does it take courage to do any of the above?
Wikipedia's definition of courage: "Courage, also known as bravery, fortitude, will, and intrepidity, is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation."
Dictionary.com: "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery."

I would dare so there is no arguing that the folks that went in literally after OBL showed courage. However, there is a slight level of hyperbole applying "courage" to certain decisions.

I suppose it's always a matter of degree, just wish people would take it easy on the hyperbole.

PS- can you name where the title of the blog post is from?

What are Your "Famous Last Words?"

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 01:17:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia"These are my famous last words."
That's how Dave Grohl opens the first song on the new Foo Fighter's album, "Bridge Burning."
Much of the album is introspective, but that line really got me thinking.
What do you want your "famous last words to be?"
Let's keep it to 140 characters!

Epitome Monday: Wasting Light, Foo Fighters album Review

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:04:00 +0000

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeAnd now for something completely different:
I have been waiting for the next Foo Fighters album since they announced they were going back into the studio last year (Dave's garage!). The innovators have released a streaming album this past week in what could have been taken as an April Fool's joke. I decided to give my opinion of the album as hardcore Foo fan. The trim album barely clocks in at 47 minutes with 11 songs.

1. Bridge Burning- call me a traditionalist, but I love this song. Like many of their other big hits like Pretender, this progressive song is hard hitting and has the changes the band has become known for. Dave screams, but does great lyrical work. The progressions are amazing. The harmonies are dead on. The backing sweet. A terrific riff. Just perfect. There are so many performers on this song and not an ounce of them are wasted. This song is a shot across the bow of all deadbeat bands.

2. Rope- the first official single from the album. Probably the song that sounds the most like it could have been on almost any other Foo album. This is not a bad thing. There are some interesting differences. They throw some feedback laden riffs and huge backing by Taylor. I'm still not the biggest fan of Taylor's vocals, but they are serviceable. Enjoy the video:

4. White Limo- the intro video produced by the Foos featured Lemmy from Motorhead. With the heavy metal influeced singing and riffs, it's not hard to see the Motorhead sway on Grohl and company. This is one of the hardest songs ever done by the Foos.

5. Arlandria - probably my second favorite so far. This spiritual successor to "Pretender," the made up land of Arlandria (so named for the area of Northern Virginia presumably between Arlington and Alexandria, where both Dave and I spent quality time), seems to be everyone. The radio-friendly song has some great moves but shows an evolution but more importantly illustrates Grohl as an able lyricist.

6. These Days- the first moment of the album that the band takes a slight breather. Up to this point, you are pounding through the songs. Very similar to many previous Grohl ballads. You wouldn't be surprised to hear this one acoustically. The syncopated rhythms really fit the song, but that's every song. Dave shows his prowse as a vocalist. He is one of the few true all purpose players in rock right now. Grohl performed every instrument on his first album and you would probably not be surprised to learn that he had done the same thing on this album.

7. Back and Forth - Simple opening riff. Multiple guitars. This is the point in the album you realize that while the Foos can still sound like they used to, they are not satisfied producing the same sounds they did the past. Another song that could have been on "Echoes Silence Patience and Grace" or even "Color and the Shape," but here it is finally. Has a surferish lick that really invites it to the radio soon!

8. A Matter of Time- Sounds mellow until the heavy riff kicks in. Grohl's vocal and lyric give a great build. You have to wonder how much he appreciates such progressive rock like Rush considering the changes in this song and others on this album. Some of the sounds on this song, you've never heard before, period.

9. Miss the Misery- Another slowdown(for this album), very melodic and has this chorus of backing that sounds like the whole band got into the act.

10. I Should Have Known- The reunion of Grohl with his Nirvana bandmate Krist Novoselic. He does a great job on the bass line(listen to that slapping, thumping bass towards the end!). Good to hear how they were able to include Jessy Greene on the strings. Probably the "heaviest" lyrically with Grohl saying over and over "I cannot forgive you yet."

11. Walk- Much like "My Hero," this is the album's anthem. With a lyric, "I never wanna die" it is an interesting way to end the album. I can see this song easily becoming the song for many recovering injured soldiers.

I've already listened to the album several times through and have to say that this is easily their most accessible album. While most are touting the heaviness of the album, I think it does not do it the album justice as a description. I'm looking forward to the documentary coming out this week to see more about the band. Even after 15 years, Grohl still has the passion to go into his garage and pound out an album of this quality.

Listen for yourself:

Wasting Light by Foo Fighters

Epitome Monday: Joe Johnston, First Avenger director

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:29:00 +0000

Image via WikipediaSomething different today. Directors! As the slate of summer movies starts, Captain America is a movie that is getting some attention.

The director of the action, period piece is Joe Johnston. The man is a protege of George Lucas. He designed Boba Fett! Heck, he was a stormtrooper on the Death Star!

He is a master of special effects, but also loves to tell a great story.

He stepped in to clean up the mess a previous director made of last year's "Wolfman" with Benico Del Toro.
Before that, he directed the passion project, "Hidalgo."

My epitome movie for Mr. Johnston is "The Rocketeer." Sure he did great special effects in "Jurassic Park 3," still my fave of those dino-movies.

He had a great run with "Jumanji." Did you know he directed "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?" The man is versatile, but his willingness to tell a great story married to even better special effects is unmatched.

Which movie of his was YOUR favorite?

Epitome Monday: Nathan Fillion

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Image via WikipediaWhen my copy of Entertainment Weekly arrived with Nathan Fillion on the cover last week, I knew he would be the actor I wanted to talk about today.

I would commend you to pick up the issue because it does a fine job looking at the man's career.
You might recognize him from "Desperate Housewives." He did do a season on there.

You might even recognize him from his earlier ABC work on "Two Guys, A Girl, and a Pizza Place" (BAD TITLE) with a future previous entry: Ryan Reynolds. Who knew they were both Canadian?

You PROBABLY know him from his current role in ABC's "Castle."
He has had a few notable movie turns like the wrong Ryan in "Saving Private Ryan." Or written off turns in "Slither" or "White Noise 2."

Fillion has done a lot of work on TV that did not last. An appearance in "Lost." The aforementioned season of "Desperate Housewives." Or even the Fox short season of "Drive."

No role will epitomize Fillion more than Malcom Reynolds from "Firefly" and "Serenity." Sure, he has done some fantastic voice work on "Justice League" and even the "Venture Brothers," but nothing appeals to his fans or myself more than this role.

Fillion owned this short-lived, Joss Whedon creation (and later worked with him again on Buffy and Dr. Horrible). The show was great and was done justice by its ensemble, but this man and this role were the beating heart of it.

What say you? Are you a "Browncoat?" Could you tell me different on Fillion?

Epitome Monday: Natalie Portman

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Cover of V for Vendetta (Widescreen Edition)So I wanted to go back and recognize another Academy award winner from this year, but keeping the balance stuck with female. I think Natalie Portman had a career worthy of honoring a while back and while I have yet to see Black Swan, I am sure she deserved it.

While I have forgiven the transgression of helping Lucas mess with our collective childhoods by being the in the Star War prequels, I still think she is a great actress.

I love the trajectory of her career. She has been in small dramedies like Anywhere But Here, Where the Heart Is, and Zach Braff's Garden State. She has also done diverse comedies like Mars Attacks! (remember that?) and the recent No Strings Attached.

While a generation will think of her as Padme from Star Wars, there are two movies that stand out for me. The more recent V for Vendetta was a great performance. However, if I have to pick a single performance that is her shining moment: the breakout role of Mathilda from Leon, the Professional.

At 13, she held her own in an action/drama against Jean Reno and Gary Oldman! You knew from that performance alone that she would eventually get an Oscar, right?

So which is your epitome role for Portman?

Epitome Monday: Han Solo or Indiana Jones?

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:41:00 +0000

So I started with Robin Williams, moved on to Angelina Jolie, and last week talked about recent Oscar winner Christian Bale. I'd love to hear what you think their best flicks are. Feel free to click back through and let me know!

This week, I decided to break the pattern and try something different. I think most of us can agree that Harrison Ford peaked somewhere in the eighties. Yeah, he has done some great work since then, but people around the world know him for one of two roles:

Han Solo in the Star Wars movies or Indiana Jones in those movies. This is less about the actor and more about the roles, but I am very curious to learn which you think is the better one for Harrison Ford?

Your preference?

The Kids are All Right

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:06:00 +0000

photo © 2008 Epic Beer | more info (via: Wylio)
I suppose the title was misleading.
This isn't a review of the poignant Oscar nominated movie. If you would like one, look at Damond's here.

Rather, I wanted to talk about the state of raising kids today. I inherited two great kids when I married my wife nearly eight years ago. We had our own together six years ago- you've heard of her.

We've had the "kids in the world" discussion a few times. The state of the world is so rocky, global warming, wars etc. I've actually heard people say they were not having kids because they could not imagine bringing kids into "this" world.

Wow. When I was growing up I remember the Cold War. I remember the drills. We heard the history of the Bay of Pigs and how on the brink we were then!

The problems of the world may have changed slightly or a lot I supposed based on your point of view, but if our parents all took the same POV none of us would be here.

My kids also talk about their problems as if they were something new. Nothing has changed on that front either has it? Mind you, there are new iterations of old problems and new ways to get in trouble, but bullies are still bullies, grades are still grades, and the world is still going to keep spinning.

So, yes the kids are STILL all right and I am glad I have mine.

Epitome Monday: Christian Bale

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:54:00 +0000

Image via WikipediaBatman finally won an Oscar.

Christian Bale took home the gold this year with his supporting performance in "The Fighter." (Guess which movie is next on my que?)

So I thought he would be appropriate for today's installment of epitome Monday.

So which performance is his crowning achievement? Is it Dicky in "The Fighter?" I can't say it is because I haven't seen it yet.

What about his Batman? "The Dark Knight" and "Batman Begins" are fantastic work.

Perhaps you go back even further? "Empire of the Sun" really gave a tip that this child actor was going to become a powerhouse some day.

Maybe "Newsies?" Yes, he was in that. How about the bad guy in "Shaft?" Yes, he did play against Samuel L. Jackson!

Me? I'm going with "Equilibrium." This is the actiony B-movie that illustrated he had the action chops along with the emoting skills. John Preston has to learn how to have emotions in that film all the while mastering "gun-fu."

Which is your favorite Christian Bale performance?

Epitome Monday: Angelina Jolie

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:47:00 +0000

Cover of Playing By HeartFor my second installment of this regular post, I wanted to REALLY stir the pot.

I covered Robin Williams in the last one, which was more inspiration than true controversy.

For this one, I realize most folks associate Mrs. Pitt with her more actiony roles like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Tomb Raider, or her latest, Salt.

Granted, she has done some great straight dramas as well. Gia is where she came to reknown. Maybe you remember Girl, Interrupted? Perhaps, the Oscar-bait of The Changeling?

I would love to see her do more comedies because the first movie I remember her from is the maligned Hackers. Half teen comedy, quarter action, and quarter badly imagine "hacking" - it made for a good time.

However, my epitome performance from Jon Voight's daughter is Playing by Heart.
Playing by wha? you ask... This ensemble dramedy came out in 1998 and placed Jolie on a palette with Sean Connery, Dennis Quaid, and Jon Stewart (yes, the comedian tried to act, and it worked).

The story is an intertwined love story told much the same way as Crash, but with less drama and a great soundtrack by the recently decease John Barry. Jolie almost doesn't seem to be acting and her section of the film provided the backbone for the rest of the interactions.

I think many could make the case for a more action-oriented flick such as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but most the action roles she has played required more in the way of the action itself than the acting. There are a few other films that might make the cut. Look here for her filmography and let me know which performance you thought was her epitome.

Which film do you most associate Mrs. Pitt with?

Quick Take: Monsters

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:23:00 +0000

Notice the lacks of the title creatures in the movie poster?

I was sorely disappointed by two things I had high hopes for yesterday. One was a book, the other was the movie "Monsters."

The Gareth Edwards, done the cheap, Godzilla-takeoff has earned high praise. It is still floating a 71% on Rottentomatoes.com.

It was an interesting premise. Alien creatures landed in Mexico years ago and are impossible to kill off, so they quarantine the area. It's like having Godzilla permanently living in your backyard.

Except, this isn't Godzilla's story. This is more like Cloverfield (without the money, bad acting, and shakey cam) because it focuses on the people impacted by the monsters.

It may as well have been set in 1990s Bosnia, 1970s Vietnam, or Civil War America- the impact of the monsters is so tangential to the story it was as if this was just a love story told against the backdrop of ruin and bad location (ie a warzone).

The love story isn't all there either. Apparently, they just took these two actors and plopped them into Central America. Everyone they are acting against is supposedly native.

The locations are great, Edwards does prove himself adept with the special effects. However, so much takes place at night and in the dark, it becomes such an obvious cheat.

If you go into this with realistic expectations, you might enjoy it, but even at a trim 90 minutes it still felt long.
The director is being handed the reigns to a new Godzilla film. I really hope it is for other work and not this.

Call Yourself Out

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:34:00 +0000

photo © 2009 pastorbuhro | more info (via: Wylio)
I have a confession to make. I despise resolutions. Ok, that's not much of a confession.

Here's a better one. I don't like making plans. I do them. But I don't like it.

So in my New Year's post, I might have been telling myself more than anyone, PLAN IT.

I think the other thing that needs to be added to that- either a carrot or a stick. It's true, if we don't like doing something either we need to find a reward or punishment that will get us that next step over the hump.

I am going to try a reward system (what exactly I don't know, told you I don't like plans). But until then, I think punishment or avoiding it works too.

At the beginning of the year, I made plans - not resolutions. I've done OK on them. The one I realized that I slacked off in was reading. I do like to read. But I got away from reading a variety of things. I think I wanted to blame it on a variety of things. Partially that I read a lot online, but I needed to be doing more straightup BOOK reading.

Well, I have finally. It took about a month but I am back to being the serial abuser of the library that my wife disdains (not for reading but for forgetting to return books on time, planning!).

So, I call myself out. Todd, you slacker, do better!

What do you need to be called out on today?

Epitome Monday: Robin Williams

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Image via WikipediaOk, to stir the pot. I am going to start using Monday for a new regular post.

I consider it the best performance of an actor. Which role/movie best used them. Which one is the one that epitomizes that actor? Doesn't mean they won an award for it. Just means they have a good body of work to make comparisons and argue over.

Today's actor: Robin Williams. Click through to see his listing of movies.

Tough isn't it? If you were given his name and said, which movie epitomizes him? Which one?

I got the idea rewatching a movie thanks to my kids and I am going to make the case for: "Jumanji."

I preface my defense by saying while I have liked him in roles, I think he hasn't had a standout performance in the better part of decade. He had something of dark trilogy around 2002 with One Hour Photo, Death to Smoochy, and Insomnia. He was great, but that was too pidgeon-holed.

I can see some folks jumping on to the obvious: Good Will Hunting. Not a bad choice, but the manic character that has been so prevelant in his career was missing.

There are others but I am sticking with Jumanji and here is why- he shows his complete range. Emotional, funny, manic, fairly athletic even!

So what do you think? Which role of his would you put above the others?
Also, who else should we talk about in future posts? Maybe you would like to write one up? Let me know!

Movies That SHOULD Be in 3D?

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:37:00 +0000

Image via WikipediaI have despised virtually every 3D movie I have seen in recent memory with the notable exception of My Bloody Valentine 3D and Spacehunter: Advenures in the Forbidden Zone (admittedly not that recent).

But introducing my son to "The Matrix" for the first time this weekend, we both had the same thought at probably the same time. When it was all done, he asks "did they ever show that in 3D?"

I was thinking the same thing watching the movie again for the nth time. With all these announced 3D flicks that have ZERO business being in 3D, why not go back and put something in 3D that deserves it?

I looked around online and discovered there is a Facebook group lobbying for this!

At least one site agrees with me! In fact, they make some superior suggestions for older films that deserve the 3D treatment well before the next Harry Potter film. I've heard they are already working on the Star Wars movies (Lucas, you whore!)

So the question is, which older movies deserve the 3D treatment?

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Jury Doody

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:19:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Jury duty is a service to your community. However, there has be a better way of doing it.

I just got my check for spending two days sitting around last week- doing nothing. And that was the same for approximately for 100 people called in Tuesday last week. The check was for $36 bucks YEE HAW!

What did I do?

We went in and sat down and learned everything that we were supposed to do, and then 12 at time, they took potentials into the jury box to be questioned.

That was only the second half of one day- they finished up the first day to inform us we would be needed another day. We learned on the second day after sitting for the better part of a good morning that we were not needed because of procedural and legal issues dealing with the case at hand.

It's very frustrating to find the when you want to give back, but you can't. Jury duty is something we're supposed to do but they make it so difficult, so time consuming and such a chore.

No wonder nobody wants to do it and they do everything they can figure a way out of it. (Reminds me of a joke, do you really want to be judged by a panel of people too inept to get out of jury duty?) I probably had no logistical reason not to serve for more than two days, except had the case run much longer it would have interfered with family appointments.

Hardship is allowed to be used to get you out of court. The 77 year old woman who could barely stay awake because of her medicine, you probably don't want her, but the single dude who claimed that he was a salesperson and it was robbing him? Why couldn't he stick it out?

I really wanted to serve in the jury box, and now I am out of the loop for two years. They reminded us OVER and OVER, don't forget you DON'T have to serve for two more years! If I get summoned, I'll still show up next time, but not for the $36.

PS click through below, the cat story is hilarious!

Quick Take: Catfish

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:03:00 +0000

photo © 2011 Suketu Gajjar | more info (via: Wylio)

Thank goodness for Redbox free codes. I was stumbling through the movies on the screen and was reminded that "Catfish" was supposed to be a cool, weird documentary. It had gotten accolades since premiering at Sundance last year.

It was semi-shrouded in mystery asking viewers NOT to tell anyone what it was (Catfish). I still don't know what the title has to do with the movie, but by the end I could have cared less.

Reviews have described the film as "jaw-dropping" and "surprising," but you'd have to be asleep for the beginning of the movie not to see how it is all going to play out.

I would say that this movie deserves the title "The Facebook Movie" or the "Social Network." At it's core is how people interact on the internet and how it translates to real life.

If you've been online for any length of time, the issues of this movie are not going to be shocking or strange. It will probably have a very ho-hum aspect to it. OR maybe not, I can see why some were entranced but I assume they have never been on Facebook that much.

I won't spoil the film (unless you want me to, email here to be spoiled), but the premise is based on a NY photographer receiving a painting of one his photos from a young girl in Michigan and developing a relationship with the family including the mother and her older sister.

There is some controversy over the film as to whether it is a documentary or was staged. Either way doesn't matter, it was fairly boring from stem to stern and only interesting in a car crash kind of way. I've been more shocked at things I've seen on day time TV.

A Look at 2011 Oscar Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (todd lyden) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:30:00 +0000

photo © 2010 Lisa Norman | more info (via: Wylio)
Decided to take a look at the Oscar nominees.

Performance by an actor in a leading role
Javier Bardem in “Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions)
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit” (Paramount)
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company)
James Franco in “127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight)

Illustrative that I have YET to see a single one of these performances (three kids!).
Looks tight and other than Wahlberg in "The Fighter" seems to hit them right. Firth seems the lock.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Christian Bale in “The Fighter” (Paramount)
John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions)
Jeremy Renner in “The Town” (Warner Bros.)
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features)
Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company)

Rush seems like a likely win if Firth is. So glad that Hawkes is here. Winter's Bone deserves the recognition, but the actors carried the water. Ruffalo? REALLY?

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features)
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole” (Lionsgate)
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions)
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight)
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine” (The Weinstein Company)

Lawrence was sadly enough my only view this year and she deserves to be here! SEE Winter's Bone.
Portman probably has this locked, but you never know. Bening and Kidman kinda lock each other out.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Amy Adams in “The Fighter” (Paramount)
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company)
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter” (Paramount)
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”(Paramount)
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom” (Sony Pictures Classics)

Again, I can barely register this one.

Best animated feature film of the year
“How to Train Your Dragon” (Paramount), Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
“The Illusionist” (Sony Pictures Classics), Sylvain Chomet
“Toy Story 3″ (Walt Disney), Lee Unkrich

I’ve only seen Toy Story 3, and I assume that wins. Snore. How is Disney's Tangled NOT on this list?

Achievement in art direction
“Alice in Wonderland” (Walt Disney), Production Design: Robert Stromberg, Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1″ (Warner Bros.), Production Design: Stuart Craig, Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas, Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Production Design: Eve Stewart, Set Decoration: Judy Farr
“True Grit” (Paramount), Production Design: Jess Gonchor, Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

Sadly, all I've seen on this is Alice. I would imagine any of the others EXCEPT for Potter deserve it more since it was just Burton rehash.

Achievement in cinematography
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight), Matthew Libatique
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing), Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” (Paramount), Roger Deakins

Damn, I love the work of Libatique, Pfister, and Deakins elsewhere, this makes it hard. I REALLY need to see Social Network since it is probably going to be the big winner.

Achievement in costume design
“Alice in Wonderland” (Walt Disney), Colleen Atwood
“I Am Love” (Magnolia Pictures), Antonella Cannarozzi
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Jenny Beavan
“The Tempest” (Miramax), Sandy Powell
“True Grit” (Paramount), Mary Zophres

Ok I at LEAST knew the Tempest was made. What is "I am Love???"

Achievement in directing
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight), Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” (Paramount), David O. Russell
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Tom Hooper
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing), David Fincher
“True Grit” (Paramount), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Tough call, Coens' are out by virtue of recent wins. Fincher has a taint that I don't think can be removed ESPECIALLY if the movie wins. Russell is in the same boat. I think this is Aronofsky and Hooper in the end.

Best documentary feature
“Exit through the Gift Shop” (Producers Distribution Agency), A Paranoid Pictures Production, Banksy and Jaimie D’Cruz
“Gasland”, A Gasland Production, Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
“Inside Job” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Representational Pictures Production, Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
“Restrepo” (National Geographic Entertainment), An Outpost Films Production, Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
“Waste Land” (Arthouse Films), An Almega Projects Production, Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley

A war film that worked deserves to win. Plus I actually saw Restrepo- go see it!

Best documentary short subject
“Killing in the Name”, A Moxie Firecracker Films Production, Nominees to be determined
“Poster Girl”, A Portrayal Films Production, Nominees to be determined
“Strangers No More”, A Simon & Goodman Picture Company Production, Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
“Sun Come Up”, A Sun Come Up Production, Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
“The Warriors of Qiugang”, A Thomas Lennon Films Production, Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon

Uh- these all deserve to win?

Achievement in film editing
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight), Andrew Weisblum
“The Fighter” (Paramount), Pamela Martin
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Tariq Anwar
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight), Jon Harris
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing), Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

If I'd seen ANY of them I could at least guess?

Best foreign language film of the year
“Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions), A Menage Atroz, Mod Producciones and Ikiru Films Production, Mexico
“Dogtooth” (Kino International), A Boo Production, Greece
“In a Better World” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Zentropa Production, Denmark
“Incendies” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Micro-Scope Production, Canada
“Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” (Cohen Media Group), A Tassili Films Production, Algeria

Mexico for the win! SCOOOOOOOORRRRRE!

Achievement in makeup
“Barney’s Version” (Sony Pictures Classics), Adrien Morot
“The Way Back” (Newmarket Films in association with Wrekin Hill Entertainment and Image Entertainment), Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
“The Wolfman” (Universal), Rick Baker and Dave Elsey

It's friggin Rick Baker and have you even heard of the other ones???

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
“How to Train Your Dragon” (Paramount), John Powell
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), Hans Zimmer
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Alexandre Desplat
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing), Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

I think the music from the Inception trailer should win because it freaked my wife out so much, but I hope that Reznor wins to stick it to traditional scoring. Who is Rahman? Is that a fake name?

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Coming Home” from “Country Strong” (Sony Pictures Releasing (Screen Gems)), Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
“I See the Light” from “Tangled” (Walt Disney), Music by Alan Menken, Lyric by Glenn Slater
“If I Rise” from “127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
“We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3″ (Walt Disney), Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Screw Newman, he was here last year. Country music (better stuff) won last year. I would not mind seeing Tangled win.

Best motion picture of the year
“Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight), A Protozoa and Phoenix Pictures Production, Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
“The Fighter” (Paramount), A Relativity Media Production, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), A Warner Bros. UK Services Production, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features), An Antidote Films, Mandalay Vision and Gilbert Films Production, Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), A See-Saw Films and Bedlam Production, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight), An Hours Production, Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing), A Columbia Pictures Production, Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Toy Story 3″ (Walt Disney), A Pixar Production, Darla K. Anderson, Producer
“True Grit” (Paramount), A Paramount Pictures Production, Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
“Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions), A Winter’s Bone Production, Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers

This move to ten films is ridiculous. This list is unmanageable. Was "The Kids are Alright" that good? Winter's Bone was probably good enough. Toy Story 3 though? The top five should probably mirror the directors and that is it.

Best animated short film
“Day & Night” (Walt Disney), A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Teddy Newton
“The Gruffalo”, A Magic Light Pictures Production, Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
“Let’s Pollute”, A Geefwee Boedoe Production, Geefwee Boedoe
“The Lost Thing”, (Nick Batzias for Madman Entertainment), A Passion Pictures Australia Production, Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
“Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)”, A Sacrebleu Production, Bastien Dubois

I gotta find that Gruffalo one!

Best live action short film
“The Confession” (National Film and Television School), A National Film and Television School Production, Tanel Toom
“The Crush” (Network Ireland Television), A Purdy Pictures Production, Michael Creagh
“God of Love”, A Luke Matheny Production, Luke Matheny
“Na Wewe” (Premium Films), A CUT! Production, Ivan Goldschmidt
“Wish 143″, A Swing and Shift Films/Union Pictures Production, Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite

I got nothing...

Achievement in sound editing
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), Richard King
“Toy Story 3″ (Walt Disney), Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
“Tron: Legacy” (Walt Disney), Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
“True Grit” (Paramount), Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
“Unstoppable” (20th Century Fox), Mark P. Stoeckinger

Unstoppable is an Oscar nominated film. Suck that in. I'd bet money on Inception.

Achievement in sound mixing
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
“Salt” (Sony Pictures Releasing), Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing), Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
“True Grit” (Paramount), Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland

Salt has been nominated for an Oscar! Probably Inception again.

Achievement in visual effects
“Alice in Wonderland” (Walt Disney), Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1″ (Warner Bros.), Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
“Hereafter” (Warner Bros.), Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski and Joe Farrell
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
“Iron Man 2″ (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment, Distributed by Paramount), Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick

There are probably better movies for this list. These hardly stand out.

Adapted screenplay
“127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
“The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing), Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
“Toy Story 3″ (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Michael Arndt, Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” (Paramount), Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions), Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini

How is Toy Story adapted??? The rest are all tough calls considering they came from original books. Winter's Bone or Social Network probably deserve the lead because they took some REAL adapting.

Original screenplay
“Another Year” (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Mike Leigh
“The Fighter” (Paramount), Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson, Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
“Inception” (Warner Bros.), Written by Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features), Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
“The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Seidler

Wow, tough call here. If King's Speech is that good, it probably deserves, but if another win's I would not be surprised.

Wow, I really need to get on the horn with some of these nominees. I have three kids is always my excuse for not seeing more films I really want to see.